Category: Charity

1. Iconic Motorcycles to take to Prescott Hill Climb

   Posted on 4:00pm Tuesday 2nd Feb 2016

   Prescott Bike Festival will take place once again on Sunday 17th April 2016 at Prescott Hill Climb, near Cheltenham. The Festival prides itself on its diversity and celebrates engineering excellence; from rare, classic, modern, customised to hand built bikes and those of historic significance, this year the organisers have secured the most diverse motorcycles yet, from the World’s fastest shopping trolley powered by a Chinook helicopter engine (holds record speed of 70.4mph/ 113.298kmh), the Carlos Checa's MotoGP bike through to Bob Farmer, winner of the 1966 Lightweight Manx TT with his 1960's Aermacchi (the model he took the win on). 

   Unlike a static bike show, Prescott gives you the unique opportunity to get up close to see smell and hear lots of historic, classic and race bikes run the historic hill climb course; “better than Goodwood”, said one excited visitor. There are so many significant motorcycles heading to Prescott this year including the Kevin Schwantz' 1995 Suzuki RGV500 XR85, the last Suzuki GP bike Schwantz ever rode.

   Whilst there are just too many entries to mention, here are a few to whet your appetite;
   
   • A 1988 Bimota YB6, 1000cc - One of only 510 YB6’s built by Bimota with the FZR1000 engine. This bike was owned by the President of the Bimota Club in Italy, before being imported to the UK in 2015 by present owner
   • A 1989 Yamaha FZR750RR OW01, 750cc. Only 500 of these bikes were built to homologate them for World Superbike entry, most of which went straight onto the race track, with very few remaining in road trim
   • A 1997 Honda CBR600 600cc World Supersport race bike formally raced by James Toseland
   • The 2002 Vertemati Supermoto 570cc David Jeffries Supermoto factory race bike
   • The 2005 Honda Fireblade 1000cc, Ex Ian Hughes TT bike, Southern 100 winner and Macau GP bike
   • Plus an incredible collection of KTM SuperMoto bikes, including the British Championship winning machine

   For the first time, we welcome riders from British Mini Bikes plus Talan Skeels Piggins, the world’s first paraplegic racer, in between racing his SV650 and skiing for Great Britain, he runs the charity ‘The Bike Experience’ helping soldiers injured in combat to get back on a bike.

   Another Prescott debut will be Tom ‘The Atom’ Anable, a Lincolnshire based rider, who has designed, built and engineered several Monowheel machines that has held several records. It’s sure to be a great spectacle, when he completes an extraordinary run of the renowned hill climb course.

   Also in the paddock, will be Nuclear Research Engineer and iconic motorcycle builder Allen Millyard who will regularly fire up, and take to the hill on his home-built ‘Flying Millyard’. Despite resembling a classic 1920s sedate two-wheeled Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, this beast has two cylinders from a Pratt and Whitney 1340 radial, and a 5.0-litre V-Twin, engine designed for an aeroplane.

   Prescott Bike festival is truly a big celebration of man and machine with large displays of historic, modern and race bikes, plus a Paddock Specials Show ‘n’ Tell area and the unique opportunity for members of the public to take part in the spectacle by ‘running the hill’ or participating in a thrilling passenger ride experience. There’s also a whole raft of entertainment too from live music, stunt shows, biker celebrity appearances and hundreds of trade stands, motorcycle manufacturers, dealer zone, motorcycle clubs, demo areas - what’s more it helps to raise vital money and awareness for the Blood Bike charities.

   There’s so much to see and do:

   Ride: You can ride the world famous Prescott Hill and be a Star of the Show, entries are limited and all places for 2016 are now booked but there’s lots of general admission tickets – book now to save 20% off the gate price

   See: Get up close and personal with over 100 historic, rare, modern, factory race bikes, one off special builds and more. Lunchtime interviews in the Paddock with the riders and their bikes. Plus Club stands, Motorcycle manufacturers and more.

   Do: Take the ride of your life with a thrilling passenger ride experience in a Formula Two or Watsonian Squire Sidecar, a Morgan Three Wheeler, Grinnall Trike or Scorpion – available to purchase on the day (leathers required). The Army Reserve will be attending with a Man SV Recovery Truck and providing Career advice; plus visitors can try their hand on the climbing wall and Airsoft Rifle Range.

   Meet: Come and meet our special ‘biker’ celebs including; James Hillier, Lightweight TT (650cc) outright lap record, a member of the exclusive '132 club' and the 3rd fastest man round the TT course; former British Superbike and Isle of Man TT road racer Steve Plater; Skyzone Racing featuring multiple British champion, Chris Hodgson;; son of ‘Mike the Bike’ David Hailwood plus BSB rider Richard Cooper, Charlie Nesbitt and for something a little bit bonkers - Matt McKeown and his World's Fastest jet-powered Shopping Trolley! Plus lots more yet to be announced!

   Watch: ‘On The Edge’ motorcycle stunt show - probably the best Trials Stunt Show we’ve ever seen. Plus the welcome return of the George Formby tribute act from the motorcycle film, No Limit? He’ll also take to the hill on his 1920 ‘Shuttleworth Snap’

   Buy: Bring lots of cash, with over 100 trade stands and all the motorcycle manufacturers there’s bound to be something you like.

   Plus: Live music by 1950s inspired rockabilly band, Josie and the Outlaw plus Chickenbone John and his custom guitars! And great food and drink throughout the day.

   Prescott Bike Festival is a ‘Must Do’ day out for all motorcycling enthusiasts. What’s more, all event proceeds of the event go to The Nationwide Association of Blood Bikes and Severn Freewheelers.

   Gates Opens at: 08:30am, Track starts at: 10:00am, Festival closes at: 17:00.

   Exclusive infield motorcycle parking for Pre-1990 motorcycles: limited numbers, advance booking essential.

   Advance general admission tickets cost just £12 and are available online at: www.prescottbikefestival.co.uk

   Free parking, free motorcycle side stand puck and free helmet park for bikers. All details of exhibitors and celebrity appearances are available on the website.

   
   Prescott Bike Festival - Sunday 17 April 2016

   Prescott Hill Climb, Gotherington, Nr Cheltenham GL52 9RD

   The biggest annual fundraiser for the Blood Bike charities

2. Ace of Hearts at Ace Cafe

   Posted on 10:00am Monday 1st Feb 2016

   Ace Cafe is joining the British Heart Foundation in its fight for every heartbeat. Wear it. Beat it. this February 5th to help raise £1 million for life saving research

   Ace Cafe London will be joining the fight against heart disease by encouraging all to wear red on February 5th at the cafe to help support the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) Wear it. Beat it. campaign to raise £1 million for life saving research.

   From 6pm, Bike Night – Streetfighters, everyone who puts a donation into the BHF charity collecting tins on the counter at the cafe will receive a raffle ticket and the chance to win some Ace goodies, with the draw being held at 10pm.

   Cardiovascular disease is responsible for around 155,000 UK deaths each year – around one every three minutes. Through the public’s generosity, the BHF will fund half a billion pounds of new research over the next five years which will be central to discovering vital treatments for people living with heart and circulatory conditions.

   By signing up to Wear it. Beat it. You can help power these life saving discoveries. Whether you choose to go all out or just wear a splash of red, join the fun across the UK by wearing red and organising an event this February 5th to show your support.

   It’s a great way to get friends, family or work colleagues together and help make a difference to millions.

   Since 2009 Wear it. Beat it. has raised over £6 million towards new cardiovascular science. Last year, an amazing 23,000 people took part in Wear it. Beat it. The BHF is calling for even more of you to get involved to help us raise £1 million next year!

   Fancy a cheery red tea break at work, a yummy red bake sale after school or a jolly red happy hour at home with your friends? Whether you think up your own idea or pinch one of our ready-made ones, it’s the taking part and showing your heart that matters.

   Don’t forget to put yourself and your friends in the picture and share your photos on our Wear It. Beat It. photo wall to inspire more people to get involved.

   Nicola Reavey, BHF Fundraising Manager for Central, North and West London, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Ace Cafe London for organising and for joining us in the fight for every heartbeat and signing up to Wear it Beat it. “Our life saving research is powered by the enormous generosity of our supporters. Every pound raised will help us change the lives of millions living with heart and circulatory conditions. That’s why we want everyone to join us and wear red this February 5th.”

   To find out more or to sign up to Wear it. Beat it. Visit www.bhf.org.uk/red to get your free fundraising pack, full of ready-made ideas to make the most of your event.

   For more information about what's on at the Ace, check out the scrolling calendar: www.ace-cafe-london.com

3. Spencer Conway circumnavigated Africa by motorbike, solo and unsupported

   Posted on 9:00am Saturday 7th Nov 2015

   His new TV series premieres on Travel Channel, Sky and Virgin on the 8th of November in the UK and the 9th in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. This exceedingly grueling and dangerous adventure is dramatically captured on film by Spencer, often in challenging and sometimes, life-threatening situations. It is both raw and gritty and makes for dramatic viewing.
   
   On a Yamaha Tenere, he raised over £30,000 for Save the Children. 
   
   Information about Spencer can be found on his website. Richard E Grant is his Patron.

   www.africa-bike-adventure.com
   
   facebook
   
   A DVD has been released by dukevideo

   
   

4. Ring of Red

   Posted on 9:00am Wednesday 4th Nov 2015

   The Ring of Red started as an idea by Julia Stevenson, a respected biker who many people know from the Ride of Respect at Royal Wootton Basset, now Carterton.

   The idea was to create the biggest poppy ever attempted on Remembrance Sunday, in respect of our Armed Forces, past and present. Thousands of bikers met at service stations and designated nine meeting points at junctions around the M25 and by 1230 hours on Sunday 10th November 2013, the bikers, all wearing something Red, rode onto the M25 Clockwise at 55mph. Section by section the riders met up and completed the circle, which if seen from the air would show the massive Ring of Red, symbolising the Poppy.

   The ride is now an annual ride and as from November 2014 there are now two rides, one on the M25 and another one up north on the M60 Manchester. The bikers also now all meet at one point for the M60 and ride round, the first riders meeting up with the last to form the giant poppy on the M60.

   We would like to stress that this event is not a protest in any way shape or form; it is a coming together of the biking community, as it does on many occasions, but this occasion is out of respect for the Armed Forces, past and present, many of the bikers having been in the Armed Forces themselves. It will be a very proud and humbling moment, but will also be a great show of how big bikers hearts really are!

   Ali Scott is the organiser of the M25 ride and has a team of volunteers all working together with their specific roles helping her to organise the event, and oversees the M60 ride which Gavin Vitler organises. Everyone is busy all with the same aim in mind, to make the day a major success, however all this could not happen without the attendance of the bikers. 

   This year's ride is in the process of being organised as per previous years and will be on Sunday 8th November aiming by 13:30 hours all riders will be on the M25 and 1230 hrs for the M60, both hopefully completing the Ring of Red and raising money for our nominated Armed Forces charities.

   This year the charities are the UK Homes for Heroes and the Armed Forces Bikers charity for the M25 and SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association) for the M60 ride.

   Hopefully this year will be bigger and better as with more riders than previous years it will be easier to complete the full ring.

   For details as they become available for this year's ride there are two facebook groups Ring of Red M25 and Ring of Red M60 and also the Ride of Respect website

   www.therideofrespect.co.uk

5. Long Way Up - Pan American Challenge

   Posted on 10:34am Wednesday 24th Jun 2015

   After four months in the saddle, three intrepid motorcyclists have just returned home after completing a 24,000 mile long Pan American challenge from Tierra Del Fuego, in Southern Argentina to Coldfoot, Alaska.

   They overcame all sorts of obstacles during the journey, from Steve being knocked off his bike by a minibus following the Obama calvalcade in Cuba, to meeting a grisly face to face in Alaska. But a downpour of rain in Alaska and a police car across the road stopped them just short of Coldfoot; there was no way through.

   Since departing from Glasgow on 2nd February 2015, Wilson Hutchison, from Stirling, Raymond Danton, from Sydney, Australia, and Steve Mason, from Lenzie, have travelled through 15 countries on their motorbikes.

   Wilson and Raymond each opted to ride a 2014 BMW R1200GS Adventure, while Steve rode his 2009 BMW R1200GS SE, affectionately known as Boris. He came home with Coca Cola cans having replaced bits of the exhaust system to keep him going and Steve is now looking forward to giving Boris a bit of TLC to restore him to his former glory.

   As teenagers Steve, Wilson and Raymond were avid bike enthusiasts who dreamt of adventure. Having worked in the corporate world and not seen each other for 30 years, now in their fifties, a chance reunion in 2013 gave rise to big plans for the adventure of a lifetime.

   Steve lives next to Deafblind Scotland’s “Field of Dreams”, the site for the planned new building in Lenzie, and when a brochure about the planned new building came through the letterbox, he resolved to raise much-needed funds for the “Field of Dreams” project. And Wilson and Raymond kindly agreed to support the same charity. This building will provide a purpose-built centre of excellence for more than 1000 deafblind people from across Scotland.

   So far they have raised £5,700. If you would like to support “Field of Dreams” see their JustGiving page  or contact Drena O’Malley on 0141 777 5848

   
   
   
   Pan American Challenge - Wilson Hutchison, Raymond Danton and Steve Mason